Elizabeth Colerick ClippElizabeth "Jody" Clipp, Ph.D., R.N., distinguished professor of nursing and nationally recognized researcher in the field of gerontology, died on Aug. 5, 2007. She was 57. Clipp was the Associate Dean for Research Affairs for DUSON until July, when se resigned due to illness. She was a professor with tenure within DUSON and a professor of medicine, geriatrics division, Duke University Medical Center. In 2006, Duke University awarded her The Bessie Baker Distinguished Professor of Nursing. She also was the Associate Director for Research for the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Medical Center in Durham, N.C.

Clipp′s research related to trajectories of health across the life course, chronic illness and informal care-giving, and the quality of life and care at the end of life. Her scientific work led to a significant body of published works and scientific presentations. In April, Dr. Clipp was given the Distinguished Contributions to Nursing Science Award from DUSON for her accomplishments as a nurse scientist, and, in May, the building that houses DUSON research faculty was formally re-named the "Elizabeth C. Clipp Research Building" in her honor.

Clipp was recognized across disciplines as a scholar, and she is noted for her work with interdisciplinary teams. She used that collaborative spirit when she helped design and launch the school′s doctor of philosophy in nursing program, which accepted its first students in 2006. Read More Read Less